These teams just saw each other recently with the Rockets beating the Pelicans, 126-112, in New Orleans on Jan. 30. Both coaches stress defense so look for some tweaks and defensive adjustments this time around. 
There's also something else different. The Rockets had Christian Wood and Victor Oladpio in that victory. They led Houston to the win by combining to score 47 points while shooting a combined 18-for-27 from the field and 4 of 4 from the foul line. Neither is going to play today. Wood is out with an ankle injury and the Rockets have announced that Oladipo is going to be rested. 
The Rockets played last night, losing to Charlotte, 119-94, on the road. This marks Houston's third game in four days and second in two days so the Rockets aren't likely to push pace. Before surrendering 119 points to the Hornets, the Rockets had held their previous nine opponents to an average of 103.8 points. That would rank first in defense if computed during the entire season. 
New Orleans has been playing better defense. The Pelicans have held their last three foes to an average of 107.6 points a game, which would rank fifth if that were their average for the entire season.